Rangers News

Messier Joins 1,800 Club in Win

Mark Messier became only the third player in NHL history to reach the 1,800 point plateau , collecting a goal and an assist in the Rangers' 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres tonight at MSG.

Messier joins Wayne Gretzky (2,857) and Gordie Howe (1,850) as the only players to reach the milestone.

"I guess it has to mean something," said Messier after the game. "There are only two players now who have done it, so I can’t sit here and say it doesn’t mean anything. Longevity is the first thing that comes to mind and also being pretty lucky and fortunate. Of all the other milestones, to be surrounded by good people all the way through. Hockey is a real team sport and you have to rely so much on your teammates for any kind of success, whether it is individual or team oriented."

"It’s unbelievable," added Mike Richter. "You just accept guys who are going to have big numbers, but to really stop and think about what that means, 1800. You have to play a lot of hockey, a lot of great hockey, and a lot of years to do that. Great players aren’t just great now and again, they are consistently great. Mark has been that throughout his career. It’s a great milestone."